Data Centers Take 15 GW of Dutch Grid Waiting List, More Than All Households

Dutch grid operators say data centers have applied for about 15 GW of connection capacity, exceeding the combined capacity of all Dutch households. Netbeheer Nederland is urging the government to set geographic limits and decide how many data centers the country should host before spending over €200 billion on grid expansion.

• Data center applications for 15 GW exceed the combined connection capacity of all Dutch households
• Grid expansion across the Netherlands is estimated to cost more than €200 billion
• In H1 2026, 15,498 businesses were waiting for large electricity connections
• About 200 more large data centers are expected, with nearly 200 already operating